"More Than Breathing" is based on the true story of Suzie, a woman battling to keep her life intact after suppressing the deep wounds of childhood abuse. Molested and raped by an uncle, Suzie’s past trauma lingers beneath the surface, threatening to unravel everything she holds dear.
As the play unfolds, Suzie suffers a mental and emotional breakdown, triggered by the resurgence of painful memories. Physically paralyzed by the psychological toll, she spirals into a deep state of distress. Through therapy, she begins the arduous process of confronting the abuse that dominated her childhood. These sessions are pivotal, as they not only reveal the depth of Suzie’s suffering but also explore how her trauma has affected her relationships, her ability to cope, and her mental health.

The heart of the play lies in Suzie’s bond with her young son, Matt. Their relationship is both a source of strength and vulnerability for Suzie, as she works to shield him from the shadows of her past while striving to be the mother he needs. Tender moments between them stand in stark contrast to the heavy burden Suzie carries, highlighting both her love for Matt and the deep emotional pain she endures.

Suzie’s journey to healing is further complicated when her legal troubles lead to Suzie being sentenced to jail, and the play shifts to explore the harsh realities of incarceration. In jail, Suzie is forced to confront her past in new ways, forming unlikely connections with fellow inmates and grappling with the brutal truths of survival, both physically and emotionally. When she is released, she is in a fight for custody of her son.

"

More Than Breathing" is a powerful and honest portrayal of a woman’s struggle to overcome childhood trauma, her fight to retain custody of her son, and her journey through mental illness and incarceration toward self-forgiveness and healing. It is a story of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.